DEC announced new recreational saltwater fishing regulations for black sea bass and scup in New York’s Marine and Coastal District. These regulatory changes are necessary for New York State to remain in compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) by reducing recreational harvest of scup and black sea bass.
Black Sea Bass
Minimum Size Limit: 16.5″
Season Dates & Possession Limit
- June 23 – Aug. 31, 3 fish
- Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 6 fish
The New York State is required to reduce harvest by 10 percent per a joint decision by the ASMFC and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC). New York is complying with the new rule by increasing the minimum size limit by one half-inch.
Scup
Minimum Size Limits:
- Shore-based anglers: 9.5″
- Vessel-based anglers: 10.5″
Season Dates & Possession Limit:
May 1 – Dec. 31, 30 fish
Anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats: Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 40 fish, 10.5″
New York State’s changes to the open season and possession limit for for-hire anglers during September and October maintains consistency with the rules in federal waters. Combined with the increase in the minimum size for vessel-based anglers, these changes are expected to reduce harvest of recreational scup in New York waters by 10 percent, as required by the ASMFC and MAFMC.
Public Comment Opens on May 18
The complete text of the rulemaking is available on DEC’s website. DEC is accepting comments on the regulations from May 18, through July 17, 2023. Written comments can be sent by mail to Rachel Sysak, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754, or by email to [email protected].
For current regulations, check DEC’s Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations. Anglers must enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before fishing New York’s Marine and Coastal District waters or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for “migratory fish of the sea”. Anglers can enroll for the registry online, by phone (1-866-933-2257, option 2), or by visiting a license issuing agent location.
